In a bold move, Nigerian military forces have successfully uncovered and destroyed several camps belonging to a new terrorist group, Lakurawa, in Katsina and Zamfara States.
The military operation, dubbed “Operation Chase Lakurawa Out,” has made significant strides in tackling the growing threat posed by the group.
The operation began a week ago and is already yielding positive results, according to Brigadier General Ibikunle Ajose, General Officer Commanding the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army.
Brigadier General Ajose, who also serves as the commander of Sector 2 for Operation Fasan Yanma, shared the latest updates during a press briefing in Sokoto State on Friday.
He confirmed that specialized troops had cleared vast stretches of forests and destroyed multiple terrorist camps located in the Jibia area of Katsina State and Tsafe in Zamfara State.
Ajose further revealed that the Nigerian military had deployed the Defence and Special Operations Brigade to support ongoing operations in these areas.
These troops, specially selected and trained for the mission, have already joined forces with local units on the ground.
Captain Martins Miagamu, the Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base in Tangaza, Sokoto, reported that recent operations against the Lakurawa terrorists have been successful.
Miagamu confirmed that the troops have focused their efforts on key infiltration points used by the terrorists, such as Sarma, Bouni, and Tona.
“We successfully pushed them towards the general area of Gudu on December 8, marking the conclusion of our limited pre-causal operation,” Miagamu said.
He noted that the military is now preparing for the next phase of the operation, as directed by the Chief of Defence Staff.
However, Miagamu also acknowledged the challenges posed by local sympathizers and informants who assist the terrorists in evading capture.
“Before we conduct any operations, these individuals often warn the terrorists about our movements,” Miagamu explained.
He revealed that some locals have even formed strong bonds with the terrorists, marrying women from nearby villages to gain protection.
“The terrorists have convinced the locals that their jihad is against the military, security personnel, and government officials, not civilians,” Miagamu added.
The situation is further complicated by the terrorists’ tactics, which include the widespread use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in their attacks.
Brigadier General Timothy Opurum, Commander of the 1 Brigade Headquarters in Gusau, emphasized that the terrorists’ reliance on IEDs shows their growing desperation.
“The use of IEDs is a clear sign that they are on the brink of defeat,” Opurum said. “But this will not deter us; we will continue until we rid the entire North-West of them.”
Opurum’s words reflect the Nigerian military’s determination to root out terrorist groups operating in the region.
He also issued a stern warning to the terrorists: “Surrender or be neutralised. We are coming for you, and there is no place to hide.”
The efforts in Katsina and Zamfara are part of a broader campaign to eliminate terrorist groups operating across Nigeria’s North-Western states.
In Katsina, Brigadier General B.O. Omopariola, Commander of the 17 Brigade Nigerian Army, reported that over 50 bandit groups are currently operating in the state.
Each of these groups has different motives and tactics, but they all pose a significant threat to the safety and security of local communities.
Omopariola assured the public that the military, in collaboration with other security agencies, is committed to addressing these emerging threats.
“We are focused on finding effective solutions to the security challenges in the region,” Omopariola said.
The success of Operation Chase Lakurawa Out marks a crucial turning point in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West.
However, despite the progress made, the Nigerian military faces significant obstacles.
The support of local communities will be essential to fully eliminate terrorist groups in the region.
Recent reports indicate that terrorists have been able to rely on local informants and sympathizers to evade capture, making it more difficult for the military to carry out successful operations.
Despite these challenges, the Nigerian military remains determined to continue its operations until all terrorist groups have been driven out of the region.
The success of the operation could send a strong message to other terrorist groups operating in Nigeria, signaling that the military is fully committed to tackling insecurity head-on.
For the people of Katsina, Zamfara, and other affected states, the operation brings hope that security will soon be restored.
Local residents have long been suffering from the devastating effects of terrorism, including kidnappings, robberies, and violence.
The military’s actions offer a glimmer of hope that these challenges may finally be addressed.
